SW Radio Africa (London)
Tichaona Sibanda
15 July 2008
South Africa's deputy Foreign Minister Aziz Pahad, claimed on Tuesday that President Thabo Mbeki's relationship with Tsvangirai was 'very good' despite well known views that the two don't get along well.
Mbeki has served as mediator between the MDC and Zanu-PF for well over a year now and has been heavily criticized by Tsvangirai for his quiet diplomacy approach and his protection of Robert Mugabe.
Tsvangirai has previously called for Mbeki to be stripped of his role as mediator, while Mugabe's regime has praised the South African leader's efforts. But much criticism has been leveled against Mbeki as being 'out of touch' regarding the Zimbabwe's political crisis.
The US on Friday launched a scathing attack on Mbeki after Pretoria's UN envoy voted against targeted sanctions against Robert Mugabe's regime at the UN Security Council.
In response Pahad said: 'The extraordinary and unacceptable statements made will be taken up through diplomatic channels. A British representative said SA mediation efforts had come to nought and we have achieved nothing. The US representative made remarks about Russia not being a worthy member of the G8 and suggested that President Thabo Mbeki is out of touch with his own country. These are not acceptable statements and we will take it up with those governments.'
China and Russia vetoed the sanctions that would have imposed a travel ban and an assets freeze on Mugabe and 13 of his cronies as well an arms embargo on the regime. The US also sharply criticized Russia over its stance.
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